5 Students Who are Opportunity Makers

Crissy Travis

Crissy has seen more than her share of challenges. During her senior year of high school, her mother — a single parent to Crissy and her younger sister, Courtney — died of ovarian cancer. That left Crissy and her sister living on their own. Despite the challenge, Crissy started at Purdue in the fall of 2009 as a first-generation college student. Today, she’s inspired and excited about her studies and her future.

ALWAYS PURDUE-BOUND

“In fifth grade, we took a school trip to Purdue. We learned about a lot of different areas, and I came away with the dream of becoming a Boilermaker. If it was not for the great people that helped me along the way, I would not be where I am today.”

INSPIRED BY MOM

“My mom reinforced that if I wanted to be successful, I had to go to school. My mom would often tell me, I had good speaking skills but that I also had an aptitude for technology and putting applications into perspective.”

MISS FIX-IT

“If something broke in the house, Crissy fixed it. I always found a way to make it work. I’m a hands-on learner. That’s why I chose electrical engineering technology instead of electrical engineering. I wanted to get right into the labs and learn. I love ECET.”

SING AND SUPPORT

“I’m involved with the Minority Technology Association and Black Voices of Inspiration. I am also starting a Purdue chapter of Students of Ailing Mothers and Fathers for people like me who have been through trials and tribulations. I hope this will provide the same support and opportunities to others that were given to me.”